Flourish mentally
Find services to support your mental and health and wellbeing, and learn how to recognise when you need help.
UNSW Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences has staff trained in mental health first aid. Together with UNSW Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, our school supports mental wellbeing through the Flourish Mentally initiative.
Did you know that university students are three times more likely to suffer from psychological distress? The warning signs include:
- Academic: loss of motivation, decline in quality of work and avoiding participation.
- Physical: extreme fatigue, complaints of sleep problems and physical health complaints.
- Emotional: irritability, frequently tearful and sustained low mood.
- Behavioural: poor self-care, extreme dependency on staff, excessively demanding of others and withdrawing from friends and family.
To access support, visit the UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services website. If you have any questions or concerns about the mental health of yourself or another, please contact one of our mental health first aid officers.
Mental Health First Aid Officers
Mira van der Ley
Snr. Tech. Officer, Bio Sci South, LG015
T: +61 400 719 861
Bernadette Phu
Technical Officer, Bio Sci South, G004
T: +61 290 657 593
Sexual misconduct first responders
If you’re a UNSW staff member or student who has experienced sexual assault, harassment or misconduct, you can gain support by visiting UNSW Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
If you’d like to talk with someone in person, we have trained Sexual Misconduct First Responders that can provide you with one-on-one support. First Responders understand that reporting sexual misconduct can be difficult. They’re not counsellors but are trained to provide an appropriate initial response to your concerns and guide you to the right services.
Mira van der Ley
First Responder, Room LG015, Building E26
T: +61 400 719 861
Wellbeing, health & safety
UNSW is committed to delivering a high quality, well-rounded academic experience. If you need help with your personal life or getting your academic success on track, there are people and services available for support.